We have an HP Compaq dc7600 minitower computer. Recently, I have been having intermittent “blue screen errors” that cause me to press and hold the power button to turn the computer off, and then back on again. I have looked for the cause but have had no luck.

Blue Screen Errors

One of the problems that most computer users experience at some point or another is the blue screen error. It typically reflects a problem with corrupted files or the hard drive. The blue screen appears because the system never finishes rebooting at that point. Fortunately, you can try the following strategies to get this problem to go away.

Blue Screen Errors: Boot Up in Safe Mode

Booting up in Safe Mode skips a lot of the applications, files, drivers, etc that you don’t necessarily need to start the computer. This improves your chances of getting the computer to boot up properly and it also offers a chance to fix the problem so that it stops happening. Follow the directions here to see if this strategy works for you:

• Press the power button on.
• Start to press the “F8″ key on the keyboard immediately and continue doing so until you see the computer is starting to boot up.
• Select “Last Known Good Configuration” from among the options that appear. This will place your computer back to a time prior to the blue screen error.
• Follow the prompts that appear.

If you can’t get the computer to boot up using this plan on the first try, complete it again. It sometimes takes a bit of trial-and-error to get this to work.

Blue Screen Errors: Scanning for Spyware and Viruses

Needless to say, anyone who uses the Internet today, places their computer at risk of getting spyware or viruses. Too many of these on your computer and you will have performance issues such as blue screen errors. Even one complex virus could be all that it takes to decommission your computer. If you have a reliable anti-virus/anti-spyware application, run it to see what comes up. Delete any problematic applications. In fact, once you have completed the initial scan, check for any current updates for your anti-virus/anti-spyware program and run it a second time. After this, remember to run your program on a regular basis, which should vary according to your Internet use. If you don’t already own a reliable anti-virus/anti-spyware program, I can recommend this one: Anti-Virus PLUS.

Blue Screen Errors: Insufficient Resources

On occasion, someone will have difficulty booting up their machine if they have run out of resources. Have you recently installed a lot of games or software applications? Perhaps, you’ve uploaded a few thousand photographs. Seriously though, if you have eaten up your computer’s memory or hard drive space, you could create problems with the computer’s functioning. Check to see available memory you have as well as how much free space you have on the hard drive and add more if you need to do so.

Blue Screen Errors: Missing or Incorrect Files

Blue screen errors are sometimes caused by problems in the registry such as missing files or incorrect paths between files or instructions. Cleaning up the registry can assist with getting rid of blue screen errors. Consider getting Paretologic’s RegCure to clean up your registry.

I get the error message “The NTVDM CPU has encountered an illegal instruction” when I try to open applications and it has something to do with the 16 bit MS-DOS subsystem and rundll32.exe. How can I fix this?

NTVDM Error

Yes. So, it would seem that the first thing you need to do is identify the application that is calling the 16-bit subsystem. Basically what is happening is the file that you are trying to use is attempting to access the computer’s memory, but the configuration won’t allow it.

Using Windows System Configuration Tool

Fortunately there is a Windows utility called System Configuration that can help. This tool helps locate problems related to your XP or other install configuration, as I am assuming this one is. You can open and run this utility, which will offer you choices to narrow your troubleshooting efforts. In the past, many users report success after disabling a file called msupdte.exe or the Microsoft Office Startup Menu. You should be able to delete these from the Windows Auto Launch list without losing access to the programs. Here is a link to the Microsoft Support page that offers a tutorial to deal with configuration errors.

Scan for and Protect Against Spyware

Other than the configuration option and the tool above, this problem is sometimes related to spyware infection. When rogue programs install themselves on your machine they can interfere with normal processes. I suggest you download and run a tool like Spyware Doctor right away to check for errors and consider investing in a subscription program for spyware and adware like XoftSpySE by Paretologic.

Repair your Windows Installation

Since there is a communication error occurring in your operating system - as long as you have already ruled out spyware - you can use a Windows utility to repair the installation, which we hope will repair the error. To do this you will need a Windows operating system CD.

1. Put the CD in the disk drive and turn the computer off
2. Power it back up and the system should launch from the CD
3. At the Welcome to Setup screen, press Enter to setup Windows
4. Press F8 to accept the license
5. Use your keyboard arrows to choose your installation, then press R to start the repair
6. Ignore the prompt to press any key to boot from CD if it appears
7. Allow the process to run until completed
8. Reboot your computer
9. Visit Windows Updates and your security software provider to re-update your programs as recent changes will be lost

Contact a Remote Technical Assistant

If none of these suggestions are effective, you might consider contacting a remote technical assistant. If you get into trying to configure your computer and are stuck, a remote tech will help you step by step in real time, so that you can diagnose and treat the issue. We recommend the services available here. I hope this helps, good luck!

My computer shuts down and says “Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: system32hal.dll. Please re-install a copy of the above file.” Unfortunately, I don’t have a copy or backup file. What should I do? Please help? Thanks.

BOOT.INI File Errors

This error message is usually the result of a problem in the boot.ini file and there are a few possible methods to resolve it. Thankfully none involve loading a file that you should have, so don’t worry about that. Modifying the computer and reminding it of its appropriate settings should rectify things. You don’t have to perform all of these options, but can move through them until you hit something that works. Also, this error message sometimes shows up randomly if the computer encountered a problem while starting so a simple reboot might take care of it. Assuming it doesn’t, here are some troubleshooting methods.

Edit the BOOT.INI File Manually

Edit the boot.ini file and restore the Default entry to set the right directories.

1. Right click My Computer, then click Properties
2. Choose the Advanced tab
3. Under Startup and Recovery, choose Settings
4. Under System Startup, choose Edit
5. You will see the boot.ini text file that looks something like this:

[boot loader]

timeout=30

default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS

[operating systems]

multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS=”Microsoft Windows XP Professional” /fastdetect

1. If you know the settings for the boot.ini file, you can enter them manually

Make BOOT.INI Repairs with Recovery Console

Or, you can use the Recovery Console to make the changes

1. Put your XP CD in the disk drive and reboot your computer
2. When you see the Press Any Key to Boot from CD message press a key
3. If prompted to press a function key - ignore this message and let the computer start
4. Press R to enter the Recovery Console
5. Press 1 to choose your Windows operating system installation and then Enter
6. If prompted, enter your administrator password, or press Enter
7. You should now see a Recovery Console command prompt
8. Type in bootcfg /rebuild then press Enter
9. When asked to Add Installation to Boot List, choose Y, then Enter
10. When asked to Enter Load Identifier, type Windows XP Professional OR Windows XP Home Edition then Enter
11. When asked to Enter OS Load Options type in /Fastdetect then Enter
12. Allow the process to complete
13. Remove the Windows CD and type exit, then Enter
14. The computer will reboot

Advanced Troubleshooting

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, then the system32hal.dll error isn’t in the boot.ini file. If this is the case, write again and let us know what you have tried and any results and we can take it from there. To streamline the advice, let us know your operating system version as well, so that we can be as specific as possible. Good luck!

Related article:

 http://filetonic.com/blog/2009/07/03/setting-windows-xp-boot-order/ 

I’m getting “Catastrophic Error” message 0×8000FFFF when I try to do a System Restore, as I cannot log on. Help

Catastrophic Error 0×8000FFFF Ooh, catastrophic errors aren’t very much fun. It seems that this one - 0×8000FFFF - is an error that occurs when you are already in a backup mode, which means that it is a secondary error, in a sense. Unfortunately, the 0×8000FFFF error code is used several ways, relating to very different applications so, without knowing what was happening on your computer before, or why you are performing a system restore, this information might be a bit general.

My computer keeps shutting off after booting up. I get a message saying that the CPU value has changed and then the computer then shuts off. I already tried changing the power supply and have the same problem?

CMOS Batteries

The most likely culprit is the CMOS battery. In addition to an AC power cord adapter and a laptop battery, computers are also fitted with internal batteries called CMOS batteries that allow the computer to maintain memory even while there is no other power source for functions like time, date and boot sequences. The CMOS battery essentially allows your computer to remember how to turn itself on - which might explain why you are unable to boot all the way up. You might need to troubleshoot the CMOS battery to get past the CPU value error message you are getting.

Reseat or Replace the CMOS Battery

CMOS batteries have an average lifespan of about five years, but can last much longer or give trouble sooner. The CMOS battery is round, about the size of a dime but a little thicker. Sometimes removing the CMOS battery and then reseating it is all it takes to give the computer a boost and power it up. You can use your computer user’s manual to locate the CMOS battery and take it out. Make sure to disconnect the computer from its power supply and ground yourself before touching anything inside the computer as you might transfer static electricity. Let it rest for a minute, then reseat the CMOS battery and try powering back up. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to replace the CMOS battery. Take the old one or the computer with you to make sure that you get the right replacement.

Get Some Remote Diagnostic Assistance

If the CMOS battery isn’t the issue, then you might consider getting some help to troubleshoot the steps. The problem will most likely be related to either the motherboard or the BIOS settings, but both can be sensitive to tinker with. If your computer is still under warranty, I recommend taking it in to the retailer and asking a technician to have a look. In the worst-case scenario, you might have to return it to the manufacturer for repair. You might also consider getting remote assistance from a technician who can help you diagnose the issue in real time. At Filetonic we recommend the services available here. Good luck!

My computer needs a cleanup. There are heaps of error reports. Could you please help me to rectify the problem?

Go Offline to Stop the Spread of Infection

The first step is to disconnect your computer from the Internet and any other networks that you are connected to in order to stop the spread of the malware.

Backup Your Data

The next step is to back up all of your data. When your computer is full of errors it means that it is likely that there are viruses or malware programs on your computer, which can destroy your files and folders and render your applications unusable. To back up data you can use either CDs or flash drives or, to be very safe, both, since there can be problems with any storage unit. Create copies of your data while you can. In the worst-case scenario, if the malware on your computer has really run rampant and done a lot of damage, you might have to format your hard drive, which means wipe it clean and reinstall your operating system from scratch, so make backups of everything that you don’t want to lose.

Sort Out the Error Reports

Once you have made your backups, you can try to sort out the error messages. Depending on the program that you are using - the one that told you about the error messages - you should see some prompts about how to deal with them. If not, you can download some programs and start over.

Get a Good Security Suite

There are some good antivirus and malware program that offer free versions for download that will probably work for your immediate situation. The drawback with most free programs is that they don’t offer automatic updates, which means that users have to open the program and look for updates manually, which should be done daily, and is often forgotten. To keep viruses off your computer in the long term you might consider purchasing an antivirus program like Paretologic’s Anti-Virus PLUS. This program includes real-time virus updates and a customer support service.

Run Full System Scans

If you already have antivirus and anti-malware programs installed, run them now. These programs should identify problems and give you options to deal with them. It is generally safe to accept the programs’ advice and treat the issues the ways they suggest. If you need programs, I can suggest Avast, for viruses, and MalwareBytes, for malware. Both are good and both offer free versions.

You can download the programs to an uninfected computer, save to disk, and then load the disks on your infected computer. Make sure you run the scans until they come back clean. Once finished, reconnect to the Internet and visit the websites of the programs you used. Check for any definition updates, update your programs and run the scans again until you come back clean.

Stay Safe Online

In the future, keep your computer clean with updated virus software, and keep yourself safe by being careful about the websites that you visit and the attachments that you open. Good luck!